The BirdDog OG4 is a revolutionary 4-channel NDI encoder/decoder openGear card. It's the world's first NDI openGear card, featuring four independently configurable 12G SDI inputs and outputs. With full Dashboard support and an SFP+ port for 10GbE connectivity, it's a true game-changer. The openGear system is an open-architecture and modular 2RU rack frame system that allows OGs from different manufacturers to coexist harmoniously. It comes with integrated cooling fans for maximum cooling and can be configured with dual, redundant power supplies for high reliability and uptime. The OG4 offers full support for Dashboard, a free unified control software for MacOS, Windows, and Linux. The industry-standard SFP+ connection enables short, medium, and long-range fiber connections and supports Ethernet protocols from 1GbE to 10GbE. It can encode and decode up to 4Kp60, supporting all resolutions up to 4Kp60 including HD. It supports up to 4x channels of 4Kp60 encode and 2 channels of 4Kp60 decode, as well as 4 channels of 1080p60 decode. Each channel has independent control of frame rates and resolutions, allowing for flexible configuration. The firmware supports all Encode or all Decode. Technical specifications include support for various video formats, 12G SDI selectable input/output, audio input and output via SDI, NDI video codec support, NDI network streaming transport support, multiple network connectivity options, specific dimensions, and comprehensive control support.

Using the BirdDog OG4 is a breeze. First, connect it to your openGear rack frame system. Make sure to use the appropriate power supply, and if you want high reliability, go for the dual, redundant power supplies. For network connectivity, you can use the 1Gbps OpenGEAR Network Port or the 10Gbps SFP+ Network Port if you need faster speeds. When it comes to video input and output, use the 12G SDI connections. Each channel can be set to different frame rates and resolutions according to your needs. You can control the OG4 using the on - device WebUI, the Dashboard software which is free for MacOS, Windows, and Linux, or other supported control systems like Crestron or Zoom. As for maintenance, keep the integrated cooling fans clean to ensure proper cooling. Check the device regularly for any signs of overheating or hardware issues. If you're using the SFP+ port, make sure the fiber connections are secure. Don't expose the device to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage the internal components. When not in use, power it down properly to save energy and extend its lifespan.